For nearly 40 years, Texas Housers has valued the efforts of students in the housing justice movement. Our internship program has been one of our best methods to integrate the spirit of young advocates and researchers ready to learn with a practical application of the work. Below are the personal shared experiences of our recent intern, Destiny Salgado.
My name is Destiny Salgado. I’m a senior at the University of Houston studying political science and legal studies. I chose to enter the CHIP program because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in public service and better understand how policy directly impacts communities. I was especially interested in exploring issues related to housing and social inequality, and the program provided an opportunity to connect my academic interests with real-world applications.
During my internship at Texas Housers, I gained hands-on experience in housing advocacy and community engagement, which gave me a deeper understanding of how data, policy, and community action intersect. One of my primary responsibilities was working on a data project where I organized and analyzed addresses using the statistical programming language R, which allowed me to contribute to the organization’s research on housing patterns and accessibility. This project helped me develop technical skills while also seeing how data-driven insights can guide policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
In addition to my work with data, I had the opportunity to observe the legal side of housing issues through a day of court observations, watching hearings and seeing how housing disputes and tenant rights play out in real-life situations. This experience was eye-opening and emphasized the importance of advocacy and legal protections for vulnerable communities.
I also attended organizational meetings, where I observed strategic planning and discussions around housing initiatives. These meetings gave me insight into how nonprofits coordinate their efforts, prioritize projects, and respond to community needs. Participating in these discussions strengthened my understanding of how teamwork and communication are utilized to coordinate complex solutions.
Throughout my months’ long internship, I learned up close how low-income households face a range of challenges, including rising housing costs, limited access to affordable housing, and a lack of legal resources when facing eviction or disputes. Many individuals and families are forced to make difficult choices between housing and other basic needs. I also learned that addressing these issues requires a combination of policy reform, community advocacy, and increased access to resources such as legal aid and affordable housing programs.
Overall, my internship at Texas Housers was both educational and inspiring. It allowed me to apply technical skills, gain exposure to legal processes, and witness the collaborative work involved in housing advocacy. This experience has reinforced my interest in social justice work and has motivated me to continue exploring ways I can contribute to equitable housing solutions in the future. Being part of a team dedicated to making housing more accessible and fair was both rewarding and motivating.
I would encourage others to get involved in their communities, whether through internships, volunteering, or advocacy efforts. Even small actions, such as staying informed about local housing policies or supporting organizations that work toward affordable housing, can make a difference. Raising awareness and pushing for policy changes are essential steps toward creating more equitable housing opportunities for everyone.
